How often should a cherry picker be serviced?

Cherry pickers should receive a 250-hour service every 250 engine hours (typically every 4 to 8 weeks of regular use), a 500-hour intermediate service every 500 hours, and a major service at 1,000 hours. Daily pre-start checks should be conducted before every shift. The exact intervals depend on the manufacturer schedule, operating conditions and regulatory requirements. Machines used in harsh environments such as construction sites, coastal areas or dusty conditions may need more frequent servicing.

What safety devices must be tested during a cherry picker service?

Key safety devices to test include the platform tilt alarm (triggers when the platform exceeds the safe angle), overload cutout (prevents operation when the platform is overloaded), emergency lowering system (both battery-powered and manual hand pump), ground control override (allows the machine to be lowered from ground level in an emergency), outrigger interlocks (prevent boom operation when outriggers are not fully deployed) and the dead-man controls on the platform. All safety devices must function correctly before the machine is returned to service.

What Australian standards apply to cherry picker maintenance?

Cherry picker (EWP) maintenance in Australia is governed by the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations 2011. AS 1418.10 covers the design, construction, testing and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms specifically. AS 2550 provides crane and EWP safe use requirements. Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice for Managing Risks of Plant require that plant is maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and that maintenance records are kept. Operators must hold a valid EWP High Risk Work Licence (WP class) for boom lifts over 11 metres.

Can I service a cherry picker myself or does it need a qualified technician?

Basic daily pre-start checks can be performed by a trained operator. However, 250-hour and higher-tier services should be completed by a qualified mechanic or EWP technician who understands the hydraulic, electrical and structural systems. Structural inspections and safety device testing require competence as defined under the WHS Regulations. Many manufacturers and hire companies require that services are performed by authorised service agents to maintain warranty and compliance.

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Free cherry picker 250-hour service checklist (PDF-ready). Engine oil, boom inspection, hydraulic checks and safety device testing. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a cherry picker 250-hour service checklist?

A 250-hour service is the first tier of scheduled preventive maintenance for a cherry picker (elevated work platform, boom lift or truck-mounted EWP). It is performed every 250 engine hours, which typically equates to every 4 to 8 weeks of regular use depending on utilisation. The 250-hour service covers the essential routine maintenance tasks that keep the machine safe, reliable and compliant. These tasks include changing the engine oil and filter, greasing all pivot points and boom pins, checking all fluid levels (hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel, brake fluid), inspecting the boom structure and welds for cracking or damage, testing all safety devices (platform tilt alarm, overload cutout, emergency lowering, ground controls), checking tyre condition and pressures, inspecting the platform guardrails and gate, verifying outrigger function and interlock operation, testing all operational controls from both platform and ground stations, and performing a general walkaround inspection of the machine. This service is typically completed by a qualified mechanic or EWP technician in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

In Australia, cherry pickers (Elevating Work Platforms) are subject to AS 1418.10 and must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's service schedule. The WHS Regulations 2011, Chapter 5 requires that plant is inspected and maintained to prevent risks to health and safety. Documented 250-hour service records are essential for demonstrating compliance during site audits.

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Benefits of using this cherry picker 250-hour service checklist

Operator safety: regular testing of safety devices, emergency lowering and overload cutouts ensures the machine is safe for elevated work.
Early fault detection: routine inspection of boom structure, welds, hydraulic hoses and pins catches developing issues before they become dangerous.
Regulatory compliance: documented 250-hour services demonstrate compliance with WHS Regulations 2011 and AS 1418.10 requirements for EWP maintenance.
Reduced breakdowns: changing oil and filters on schedule, greasing pivot points and checking fluid levels prevents the most common causes of unplanned downtime.
Extended component life: regular maintenance at the 250-hour interval protects engine, hydraulic and boom components from premature wear.
Insurance and hire compliance: many hire companies and insurers require documented maintenance records at manufacturer-specified intervals.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise cherry picker / ewp service procedures in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Trigger work orders automatically when a fault is logged during an inspection.
Track service intervals by hours, kilometres or calendar date in one place.
Attach supplier invoices and parts receipts to each maintenance record.

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What to include in a cherry picker 250-hour service checklist

This cherry picker 250-hour service checklist covers 9 key areas:

Engine: change engine oil and filter, check coolant level, check fuel system for leaks, inspect air filter element.
Hydraulic system: check hydraulic oil level, inspect all hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks or damage, check cylinder rods for scoring.
Boom structure: visually inspect boom sections, welds, pins and bushes for cracking, corrosion or excessive wear.
Safety devices: test platform tilt alarm, overload cutout, emergency lowering (battery-powered and manual), ground control override.
Platform: inspect guardrails, mid-rails, toe boards and gate latch. Check harness anchor points.
Outriggers / stabilisers: test outrigger operation, check interlock prevents boom operation when outriggers are not deployed (if applicable).
Tyres / wheels: check tyre condition, pressures and wheel nut torque.
Electrical: check all lights, beacons, horn and control panel operation.
Lubrication: grease all boom pivot pins, slew bearing, cylinder pins and turntable bearing per grease chart.

How to use this cherry picker 250-hour service checklist

Park the cherry picker on firm, level ground with the boom fully retracted and lowered. Engage the park brake and chock the wheels.: The machine must be on level ground with outriggers stowed (or deployed if required for access) before commencing the service. Lower the platform to ground level and retract the boom fully. This ensures safe access and accurate fluid level readings.
Change the engine oil and filter. Check all other fluid levels (hydraulic oil, coolant, brake fluid, fuel).: Drain the engine oil with the engine warm. Replace the oil filter with a genuine or OEM-equivalent element. Refill with the correct grade and volume. Check hydraulic oil level on the sight glass, top up coolant to the correct mark, verify brake fluid is above the minimum line and check fuel for water contamination.
Grease all pivot points, boom pins, slew bearing, cylinder pins and turntable bearing as per the manufacturer grease chart.: Use EP2 lithium complex grease. Pump each grease point until fresh grease is visible at the bearing seal. Do not over-grease sealed bearings. Common points include boom pivot pins, fly boom pins, platform levelling cylinder pins, slew ring, turntable bearing and outrigger pivot pins.
Inspect the boom structure, welds, pins and bushes. Check for cracking, corrosion, deformation or excessive play in pivot points.: Visually inspect all boom sections from the turntable to the platform. Look for weld cracks (especially at high-stress junctions), paint flaking that may indicate underlying corrosion, pin wear (check for play by rocking the boom at each pin), and cylinder rod scoring. Report any structural concerns immediately and do not return the machine to service until assessed by a competent person.
Test all safety devices: platform tilt alarm, overload cutout, emergency lowering system (battery and manual), ground control override and outrigger interlocks.: Test the tilt alarm by tilting the platform beyond the set angle. Test the overload cutout with a calibrated test weight if available. Test emergency lowering from the platform using battery power and the manual hand pump. Verify the ground control override functions correctly. Confirm that the outrigger interlock prevents boom operation when outriggers are not fully deployed (for outrigger-equipped machines).
Inspect the platform guardrails, gate, toe boards and harness anchor points. Check tyre condition, pressures and wheel nut torque.: Ensure guardrails are secure with no bending or cracking. Confirm the gate self-closes and latches properly. Check toe boards are intact. Verify harness anchor points are not bent, cracked or corroded. Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, embedded objects and tread depth. Check pressures against the manufacturer specification and verify wheel nut torque.
Operate the machine through its full range of functions from both the platform and ground controls. Check for smooth operation, abnormal noises and correct function of all controls.: Raise, extend, slew and lower the boom through its full range. Test all platform controls and then all ground controls. Listen for abnormal noises from the hydraulic system, slew drive and boom pins. Confirm all movements are smooth and controlled with no jerking or drift.
Record any defects or recommendations in the notes section. Set the next service due hours and sign off.: Document all findings, measurements and any defects requiring follow-up. Set the next 250-hour and 500-hour service due points. Obtain the technician and supervisor sign-off. Attach the completed checklist to the machine record.

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How often should you complete this service procedure?

A 250-hour service should be performed every 250 engine hours, which typically equates to every 4 to 8 weeks of regular cherry picker use. Daily pre-start checks must be completed before every shift. For machines operating in harsh conditions such as construction sites, coastal environments or dusty areas, consider shortening the service interval. The 250-hour service forms the foundation for the cumulative service model, with 500-hour and 1,000-hour services building on top. In MapTrack, set up meter-based maintenance triggers at 250-hour intervals so work orders are generated automatically as each machine approaches its service point.

For cherry pickers in hire fleets that move frequently between sites, pair the 250-hour service with a transport damage inspection. In MapTrack, meter-based triggers handle varying utilisation rates across the hire fleet, automatically generating work orders.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in a cherry picker 250-hour service?: A 250-hour cherry picker service covers engine oil and filter change, greasing all pivot points and boom pins, checking all fluid levels (hydraulic oil, coolant, brake fluid), inspecting the boom structure and welds, testing all safety devices (tilt alarm, overload cutout, emergency lowering, ground controls), checking tyre condition and pressures, inspecting platform guardrails and gate, verifying outrigger function and interlocks, testing all operational controls from both platform and ground stations, and a general walkaround inspection. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
How often should a cherry picker be serviced?: Cherry pickers should receive a 250-hour service every 250 engine hours (typically every 4 to 8 weeks of regular use), a 500-hour intermediate service every 500 hours, and a major service at 1,000 hours. Daily pre-start checks should be conducted before every shift. The exact intervals depend on the manufacturer schedule, operating conditions and regulatory requirements. Machines used in harsh environments such as construction sites, coastal areas or dusty conditions may need more frequent servicing.
What safety devices must be tested during a cherry picker service?: Key safety devices to test include the platform tilt alarm (triggers when the platform exceeds the safe angle), overload cutout (prevents operation when the platform is overloaded), emergency lowering system (both battery-powered and manual hand pump), ground control override (allows the machine to be lowered from ground level in an emergency), outrigger interlocks (prevent boom operation when outriggers are not fully deployed) and the dead-man controls on the platform. All safety devices must function correctly before the machine is returned to service.
What Australian standards apply to cherry picker maintenance?: Cherry picker (EWP) maintenance in Australia is governed by the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations 2011. AS 1418.10 covers the design, construction, testing and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms specifically. AS 2550 provides crane and EWP safe use requirements. Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice for Managing Risks of Plant require that plant is maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and that maintenance records are kept. Operators must hold a valid EWP High Risk Work Licence (WP class) for boom lifts over 11 metres.
Can I service a cherry picker myself or does it need a qualified technician?: Basic daily pre-start checks can be performed by a trained operator. However, 250-hour and higher-tier services should be completed by a qualified mechanic or EWP technician who understands the hydraulic, electrical and structural systems. Structural inspections and safety device testing require competence as defined under the WHS Regulations. Many manufacturers and hire companies require that services are performed by authorised service agents to maintain warranty and compliance.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 1418.10 (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms)
AS 2550 (Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Safe Use)
WHS Act 2011
WHS Regulations 2011 Chapter 5

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